Folding stand with securing mechanism

ABSTRACT

A folding stand with a pivoting securing mechanism to secure an object to the stand is disclosed. The stand may include two rails in the same horizontal plane and a securing mechanism that pivots about an axis which is perpendicular to that horizontal plane. The securing mechanism may be positionable in a locked and an unlocked position. The securing mechanism may include one or more arms that extends over a portion of the object in the locked position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/126,725, filed Dec. 17, 2020,which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/407,406 filed Aug. 20, 2021, which in turnclaims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/072,405, filed Aug. 31, 2020, both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to folding stands, and moreparticularly to folding stands to support and secure a power tool.

BACKGROUND

An advantage of a compact power tool (such as a benchtop table saw) overits full-sized counterpart (such as a cabinet saw) is the space savingsfrom utilizing a smaller tool. Another advantage is the portability of asmaller tool compared to a larger tool. But compact power tools, such asbenchtop table saws, are often too small to conveniently use withoutelevating them off the ground to an appropriate work height.Accordingly, a stand is frequently used to elevate a compact power tooloff the ground. The present disclosure shows a stand for a power tool,such as a benchtop table saw, that offers a secure and easy to usesecuring mechanism to hold the power tool to the stand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a table saw secured to a foldable stand.

FIG. 2 shows the foldable stand of FIG. 1 without the table saw.

FIG. 3 is another view of the foldable stand.

FIG. 4 shows the foldable stand in a folded position.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a securing mechanism used to secure a power toolto the stand.

FIG. 6 is another view of the securing mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the securing mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the securing mechanism.

FIG. 9 shows the table saw on the foldable stand with close-up views ofthe securing mechanisms in an unlocked position.

FIG. 10 shows the table saw on the foldable stand with close-up views ofthe securing mechanisms in a locked position.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of a cradle.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the foldable stand with thetable saw secured in an alternative orientation.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of an alternative securing mechanism in anunlocked condition.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the alternative securing mechanism in alocked condition.

FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of the alternative securing mechanism.

The present disclosure describes exemplary embodiments of folding standswith securing mechanisms. The embodiments as disclosed and illustratedherein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as variations arepossible. Rather, the exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings anddescribed in detail below are intended to illustrate specific examplesand implementations. It will be understood by those of skill in the artthat many variations, modifications, alternatives, and equivalents ofthese particular exemplary embodiments are possible. Therefore, thedrawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the scope ofthe claims to the forms, arrangements, components, and/or configurationsdepicted and described therein. Instead, the drawings and detaileddescription are intended to cover all such variations, modifications,alternatives, and equivalents as are described and suggested within thescope and spirit of the disclosure and as are defined by the claims.

While references to “exemplary embodiment”, “alternative embodiments”,“other embodiments”, etc., may appear throughout the disclosure,repeated occurrences of such references are not intended necessarily torefer to the same embodiment(s). Rather, such references should beunderstood in the context in which they are provided and with referenceto the figures and components with which they are associated within thenarrative of the disclosure. Furthermore, reference to certainembodiments is not intended to exclude other embodiments sinceparticular components, elements, structures, assemblies, processes, andmethods described herein may be combined and/or modified in any mannerthat is suitable and consistent with the disclosure.

This disclosure might refer to structural elements as being “configuredto,” or “adapted to,” perform one or more tasks, operations, orfunctions. Such elements may be referred to as “components,”“assemblies,” “mechanisms,” etc. It should be understood that when suchan element is described as being “configured to” or “adapted to” performsuch a task or etc., this phrasing is intended to refer to a physicalobject or structure such as a mechanical component (e.g., arm, bracket,shaft, mount, housing, etc.), or a plurality of such componentsinterconnected or combined into a mechanism or assembly. Furthermore,the phrasing “configured to” or “adapted to” perform a particular taskor etc., is intended to indicate that the structural component orcombination of components is arranged, positioned, selected, programmed,connected, combined and/or designed to perform the particular functionstated. Therefore, it should be understood that all references herein ofsome particular element being “configured to” or “adapted to” performsome operation, task, or function refers to a physical object and not tosome intangible entity, process, or function. In addition, the term“configured to” or “adapted to” does not mean “configurable to” or“adaptable to.”

If used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., when used to modifystructural elements, are not intended to describe any temporal orspatial order or priority, unless such order or priority is expresslystated. Thus, for example, the terms “first mechanism” and “secondmechanism” do not, unless otherwise stated, imply that the componentreferred to as the “first mechanism” has any priority or control overthe component referred to as the “second mechanism.” Furthermore, theterms are not intended to imply that the two mechanisms are eitheridentical or non-identical unless explicitly described as such. Instead,the terms are solely intended to convey the presence of two, separatephysical mechanisms.

In the drawings and description herein, specific details are disclosedfor exemplary embodiments to provide a complete and thoroughunderstanding to those of skill in the art. Nevertheless, those of skillin the art will recognize that aspects of the present disclosure can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details. In someembodiments, well-known and/or readily available components, structures,and assemblies may have not been shown in detail to avoid unhelpfulcomplexity which might hinder comprehension of the present disclosure inits entirety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a compact table saw or benchtop saw 10 installed on afoldable stand 12. Compact table saw 10 has a work surface 14, blade 20,and fence 24. The blade extends up above the work surface and a userslides a workpiece 22 on the work surface into contact with the blade tocut the workpiece. Fence 24 provides a flat surface parallel to theplane of the blade for workpiece 22 to abut and slide against whenmaking cuts. In the disclosed embodiment, fence 24 is on the right sideof blade 20.

FIG. 2 shows foldable stand 12 isolated from the table saw. Foldablestand 12 includes legs 28, 30, 32, and 34. In the disclosed embodiment,legs 28, 30, 32, and 34 are each comprised of a top component, such astop component 31, and a bottom component, such as bottom component 29.The bottom component of each leg is bent to give the stand a wider baseto increase the stability of the stand. Each leg's top component, forexample top component 31, has an end that fits into each leg's bottomcomponent, for example bottom component 29. When that end of the topcomponent is fit into the bottom component, the two components aresecured together by two bolts with nuts. Of course, other methods ofsecuring the two components together can be used, such as a springdetent on one component that protrudes into a hole on the othercomponent, or any other appropriate securement method known in the art.Alternatively, the legs could be made of a single component. In anyevent, this two-piece design allows the legs to be broken down intosmaller components for shipping and storage.

The stand's legs are configured to pivot, which allows the stand to bepositioned in a folded configuration for storage, and an unfoldedconfiguration for use. In the disclosed embodiment, legs 28 and 30 arepivotally joined to each other and legs 32 and 34 are pivotally joinedto each other. The legs are joined by a bolt extending through both ofthe legs at a location near the middle of the legs. The bolt is fastenedby a nut. Joining the legs in this manner allows the legs to pivotclosed or, in other words, to fold together to create a smaller profile.The folded configuration is shown in FIG. 4. When the stand is in thefolded configuration, the stand is nearly flat.

Legs 28 and 32 support a rail 35 and legs 30 and 34 support a rail 36.Rail 35 and rail 36 in the disclosed embodiment are made from foldedmetal or angle iron (although other materials could be used) and areexact copies of each other. The legs are attached to the underside ofthe rails. The legs can be attached to the rails by any suitable methodknown in the art, such as by welding, or using screws or bolts. The legsare configured to support rails 35 and 36 so that both of the rails arein a horizontal plane 39, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3. In thedisclosed embodiment the top surface of each rail is flat to provide asupport surface for table saw 10, and those flat top surfaces definehorizontal plane 39. The rails also provide horizontal stability for thestand and add to the rigidity of the stand. The rails can besufficiently similar or even identical so that table saw 10 may beplaced on and secured to the stand in the position shown in FIG. 1 or ina position where the table saw is rotated 180 degrees about a verticalaxis from the position shown in FIG. 1. Having the rails be similar oridentical is advantageous because it simplifies manufacturing andassembly, as well as the user experience.

Stand 12 also includes stretchers 38 attached to the legs to prevent thelegs from opening more than intended when the stand is positioned in theunfolded configuration. In the disclosed embodiment, stretchers 38 aremade from angle iron or bent sheet metal. The stretchers act as aphysical stop for the legs to rest upon when the stand is positioned inthe unfolded configuration, as shown in at least FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. Thestretchers also provide support and rigidity to the stand.

Stand 12 further includes two securing mechanisms 40 and 41. Securingmechanism 40 is mounted to the top flat surface of rail 35 and securingmechanism 41 is mounted to the top flat surface of rail 36. Both of thesecuring mechanisms are identical. Securing mechanism 40 is shownisolated in FIGS. 5-8. In the disclosed embodiment, each securingmechanism is one integral piece made from plastic, though any number ofappropriate materials could be used. The securing mechanisms arepivotally attached to the top surface of the rails by a bolt thatextends through hole 49 in the securing mechanisms. The bolt alsoextends through the rail and is fastened with a nut or an alternativefastening method on the underside of the rail. The securing mechanismsare configured to pivot around the bolt about axis generallyperpendicular to horizontal plane 39.

Each securing mechanism includes a handle 44. Handle 44 allows thesecuring mechanisms to be pivoted by hand without the use of toolsbetween a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlockedposition, handle 44 is perpendicular to the rail on which is it mounted,as shown in FIG. 9. Handle 44 includes a section 45 configured to abutthe rail to prevent rotation of the securing mechanism beyond apredetermined amount, such 90-degrees, or less than 360 degrees. In thelocked position, handle 44 is along the side of or parallel with therail on which it is mounted, as shown in FIG. 10. In the depictedembodiment, to pivot one of the securing mechanisms 40 or 41 between itslocked position and unlocked position, a user needs only to grasp handle44 and pivot the securing mechanism 90 degrees. A cutout 37 in each ofrails 35 and 36 provides adequate clearance for a user to grasp handle44 when the securing mechanism is in the locked position. Handle 44 maybe grasped from the top, bottom, or the distal end to pivot the securingmechanism.

Securing mechanisms 40 and 41 are configured to grip a portion of thepower tool when pivoted to the locked position. As shown in FIG. 1,table saw 10 includes a frame member 26 that is part of a frame,housing, or base of the saw. In the depicted embodiment, frame member 26is a cylindrical tube made of metal, plastic, or any suitable material,but it may be a solid rod or bar. A second similar frame member 27 is onthe other side of the saw. In the disclosed embodiment, securingmechanism 40 grips frame member 27, and securing mechanism 41 gripsframe member 26 when the securing mechanisms are in the locked position,as shown in FIG. 10. When the securing mechanisms are gripping the framemembers, the frame members are secured to the stand and cannot moverelative to the stand. This is accomplished by two curved arms 46 oneach securing mechanism. The curved arms are configured to curve overand contact frame member 26 or 27 when the securing mechanism is in thelocked position. As the securing mechanism is pivoted from the unlockedposition to the locked position, curved arms 46 slightly deflect as theyare forced over the frame member. This deflection biases the armsdownward towards the frame member. In the locked position, the armsextend over the top of the frame member to prevent the frame member frombeing moved vertically. Side-to-side movement of the frame member isprevented by the arms of the securing mechanism abutting the sides ofthe frame member. A frictional force prevents the frame member fromsliding along the length of the rails. The frictional force is caused bythe downward bias of the arms. The downward bias and frictional force ofthe arms also prevent the securing mechanism from unintentionallypivoting to the unlocked position. While the disclosed embodiment of thesecuring mechanism includes two arms, the securing mechanism mayalternatively be configured to include only one arm.

Arms 46 are spaced apart so that a gap or channel 48 extends between thearms, as seen in FIG. 7. Channel 48 is configured to receive a portionof the power tool, such as frame member 26, when the securing mechanismis in the unlocked position. In other words, in the unlocked position,both securing mechanisms 40 and 41 present a receiving channel 48 toreceive either frame member 26 or 27. Receiving channel 48 is generallyU-shaped to help guide the frame member to the correct location.

Arms 46 also include cut-offs 47, best seen in FIG. 8, which allow roomfor frame member 26 or 27 to be placed in or removed from channel 48when the securing mechanism is not fully in the unlocked position. Inother words, cut-offs 47 allow the potential for a user to place thetable saw on the stand or remove the table saw from the stand when oneor both of the securing mechanisms are positioned slightly less than 90degrees from the locked position. This is advantageous because a userdoes not have to ensure both securing mechanisms 40 and 41 are fully andperfectly in the unlocked position every time the user wants to place orremove table saw 10; the user simply has to have the securing mechanismsalmost to the unlocked position.

Stand 12 may also include two identical cradles 42 and 43, which areconfigured to help guide frame member 26 into receiving channel 48. FIG.11 shows a detailed view of cradle 42. Cradle 42 is attached to the topflat surface of rail 35, and cradle 43 is attached to the top flatsurface of rail 36. Both cradles have a generally U-shaped upper surfacethat frame member 26 or frame member 27 rests upon. The cradles are alsoconfigured to abut a cord wrap attached to frame member 26. Having acradle abut the cord wrap acts as a secondary means to prevent movementof the frame member along rail 36. Additionally, the cradles helpprevent lateral movement of the object being secured to the stand. Atleast one of cradle 42 and cradle 43 could be replaced by an additionalsecuring mechanism.

In practice, a user unfolds stand 12 and pivots securing mechanisms 40and 41 to the unlocked position to present receiving channels 48. Theuser then places table saw 10 on the stand so that frame members 26 and27 fit into receiving channels 48 in securing mechanisms 40 and 41. (Asstated, the user can place the table saw on the stand in the positionshown in FIG. 1 or rotated 180 degrees from the position shown in FIG.1.) The user then grasps handles 44 and pivots securing mechanisms 40and 41 to the locked position, wherein arms 46 curve over frame members26 and 27 to firmly hold the frame members and secure table saw 10 tothe stand. To remove table saw 10 from the stand, a user grasps handles44 and pivots both securing mechanisms 40 and 41 from the lockedposition to the unlocked position. When pivoting the securing mechanismsfrom the locked position to the unlocked position, arms 46 are movedaway from frame members 26 and 27 and no longer apply a securing forceto the frame member. The user can then lift table saw 10 vertically outof receiving channels 48. The stand can then be folded for storage bypivoting the legs and bringing rails 35 and rail 36 together.

Foldable stand 12 can be configured to remain in the foldedconfiguration. This is accomplished by detent 50 on securing mechanism40 and detent groove 52 on cradle 42. These features are best seen inFIGS. 5 and 11, respectively. Detent 50 protrudes into detent groove 52on cradle 42 which prevents the rails from moving independently of eachother. Other appropriate securing methods known in the art may beutilized in place of or in addition to detent 50. Alternatively, thedisclosed detent and detent groove may be removed entirely withoutaffecting the main use of the stand.

Turning attention now to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of foldablestand 12 is shown. In this embodiment, stand 12 includes legs 28, 30, 32and 34, as well as rails 35 and 36, and stretchers 38, all of which areconfigured and connected as described above. The embodiment of FIG. 12also includes securing mechanisms 40 which are rotatably mounted to eachrail and configured to securely grip frame member 26 when the securingmechanisms are rotated to the locked position. Thus, it will be seenthat the embodiment of stand 12 shown in FIG. 12 is substantiallysimilar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment of thestand shown in FIG. 12 includes two cradles 54 mounted to each rail.However, it will be appreciated that both embodiments can be used with asingle cradle per rail, multiple cradles per rail, or one or morecradles can be replaced by additional securing mechanisms as desired. Inany event, the embodiment of FIG. 12 includes two cradles per rail whichare mounted on the rail and spaced apart with securing mechanism 40mounted between the two cradles. Furthermore, it can be seen that tablesaw 10 is rotated 90 degrees about a vertical axis from the orientationshown in FIG. 1. As a result, the securing mechanisms and cradles gripthe frame members at the front and back of saw 10 rather than the sidesof the saw. This orientation positions legs 28, 30, 32 and 34 in forwardand rearward facing directions relative to the table saw, which canprovide increased stability under certain conditions and with certainconfigurations of table saw 10.

Turning attention now to FIGS. 13-15, an alternative securing mechanismis shown, indicated generally at 60. It will be appreciated that thisalternative securing mechanism can be used in place of, or incombination with, the securing mechanisms described above. Securingmechanism 60 includes two retaining brackets or arms 62 and 64 which arepivotally secured to mounting tabs 66 which are formed in rail 35. Thepivot attachments 68 may be any of the well-known components commonlyused to pivotally attach two or more members, such as bolts, pins, rods,rivets, and etc.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, retaining arms 62 and 64 are mounted to therail in opposition to one another so that the portions 70 and 72 of thearms which are distal from the pivot points can pivot toward and awayfrom each other. Portions 70 and 72 include opposing grip regions 74 and76 that combine to form a gap or channel 78 which is configured toreceive frame member 26 (indicated in dash lines). Thus, when portions70 and 72 are pivoted away from each other as shown specifically in FIG.13, gap 78 is wide enough to allow frame member 26 to move into or outof the gap freely. In contrast, when the arm portions are pivoted towardeach other, the size of gap 78 constricts. Grip regions 74 and 76 areshaped so as to conform generally to the outer surface of the framemember. As a result, when portions 70 and 72 are pivoted toward theframe member positioned in the gap, the grip regions are configured tofit closely around and even press against the frame member to create agripping force and thereby hold the frame member within the gap. Thisgripping force serves both to retain the frame member within the gap aswell as inhibit axial movement of the frame member within the gap.

Securing mechanism 60 also includes a latch or locking assembly,indicated generally at 80, which is operable by a user or operator ofthe stand to pivot the two arms. Latch 80 includes a latch handle 82which is pivotally mounted to arm 64. A wire linking member 84 ispivotally connected to both latch handle 82 and the opposing arm 62. Itwill be appreciated that the latch can alternatively be reversed so thatthe latch handle is pivotally attached to arm 62 and the linking memberis pivotally attached to arm 64.

In any event, the pivot attachment points of latch handle 82 to arm 64are positioned, relative to the pivot attachment points for the linkingmember, so that when the latch handle is pivoted toward portion 72 andaway from rail 35, portions 70 and 72 of the arms move away from eachother as shown in FIG. 13. As discussed above, this position of the armsallows the frame member to be moved into, or out of, the gap between thegrip regions. This position of the latch assembly and the arms can thusbe thought of as an unlatched or unlocked position. Conversely, when thelatch handle is pivoted away from portion 72 and toward rail 35, therelative positions of the pivot attachment points of the latch handleand the linking member cause the portions 70 and 72 of the arms to movetoward each other as shown in FIG. 14. As discussed above, this positionof the arms causes the grip regions to fit around and press against theouter surface of the frame member if it is positioned within the gap.This position of the latch assembly and the arms can thus be thought ofas a latched or locked position.

Furthermore, the relative positions of the pivot attachment points ofthe latch handle and the link member allow the latch assembly to movethrough a center position of minimum gap size to an over-center positionwhere the gap is slightly larger than the minimum gap size. Since theminimum gap size is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of framemember 26, the internal tension created in the securing mechanism whenthe arms are pressing against the frame member at the minimum gap size,is partially released when the latch handle is in the over-centerposition. Thus, it will be understood that the latch assembly willremain stable in the over-center position, thereby holding the framemember, until sufficient force is applied to the latch handle to pivotit up through the center position and toward portion 72. It will also beunderstood that the gripping force applied by the grip regions on theframe member will be sufficient to hold the frame member within the gapwhile the latch is in the over-center position.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the internal tensionwithin the securing mechanism is generated by slight flexing of one ormore of the arms, link member, frame member and/or latch handle.Furthermore, the material types and sizes of the arms, latch handle andlinking member can be selected to provide the desired amount of internaltension so as to securely hold the saw to the stand without requiring auser to exert excessive force on the latch handle to move the latchassembly from unlocked to locked positions, or vice versa. Turningattention now to FIG. 15, it will be seen that the present embodimentutilizes arms which are formed from sheet metal. Similarly, the latchhandle is also formed of sheet metal, while the linking member is formedof metal wire that is bent in the desired configuration. Nevertheless,it will be appreciated that the components of securing mechanism 60could alternatively be formed of different materials and by differentforming processes within the scope of the invention. In otheralternative embodiments, the internal tension can be wholly or partiallygenerated by addition biasing components such as springs. For example,torsion springs may be added to securing mechanism 60 to bias portions70 and 72 toward the locked position. Indeed, such springs may beselected to provide sufficient biasing force to hold the frame memberwithout the need of a locking assembly. Thus, it will be understood thatall such alternatives and combinations of alternatives are within thescope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The folding stand with securing mechanism disclosed herein is applicableto power tools, and particularly to compact table saws.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multipledistinct inventions with independent utility. While each of theseinventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specificembodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Thesubject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obviouscombinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features,functions and/or properties disclosed herein. No single feature,function, element or property of the disclosed embodiments is essentialto all of the disclosed inventions. Similarly, the recitation of “a” or“a first” element, or the equivalent thereof, should be understood toinclude incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiringnor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certaincombinations and sub-combinations that are directed to disclosedinventions. Inventions embodied in other combinations andsub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties maybe claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation ofnew claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims,whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to thesame invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scopeto the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subjectmatter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

We claim:
 1. A table saw comprising: a work surface having a forwardedge, where the forward edge denotes the front of the saw; a bladeconfigured to extend above the work surface and to spin around an axisoriented generally parallel to the forward edge of the work surface; abase supporting the work surface and blade, where the base has a framemember at the front of the saw; a stand supporting the base, where thestand includes a first pair of legs joined to pivot and a second pair oflegs joined to pivot, where pivoting the first and second pairs of legscauses the stand to fold, where the stand further includes first andsecond rails supported by the first and second pairs of legs, where thefirst and second rails connect the first and second pairs of legs, andwhere the first and second rails are positioned in a horizontal plane;and a securing mechanism attached to the first rail between the firstand second pairs of legs, where the securing mechanism secures the framemember to the stand at the front of the saw.
 2. The table saw of claim1, where the securing mechanism is configured to pivot about an axis ofrotation perpendicular to the horizontal plane, where the securingmechanism is configured to be pivoted by hand without the use of tools,where pivoting the securing mechanism less than 360 degrees secures theframe member to the stand.
 3. The table saw of claim 1, where thesecuring mechanism includes two arms pivotally attached to the firstrail, and a locking assembly operable by a user to pivot the two arms.